Holman Center passes final roof inspection

Reynolds Construction of White Hall was the general contractor in the re-roofing of the nearly 20,000 square foot building.

Leigh Kreimeierlkreimeier@stuttgartdailyleader.com

A pivotal step in the revitalization of the Holman Heritage Community Center is complete after Wednesday’s final inspection of the new roof that was constructed. Calvin Criner, the center's director, was on hand along with other community leaders Wednesday to see the final inspection.

“It is such a phenomenal accomplishment and the manner in which it came together — the entire community coming together was really wonderful. We are just so appreciative and I am just at a loss for words,” Criner said.

The final roof inspection was conducted and approved by Reynolds Construction, Inc. and Clements and Associates Architects. The repairs and replacement of the roof started the last week in April.

Reynolds Construction of White Hall was the general contractor in the re-roofing of the nearly 20,000 square foot building. The company bid $279,000 for the project. The front part of the 605 N. Buerkle St. building was in the worst shape and the construction crew moved south to north on the roof, exchanging the flat roof for a tapered one.

Stuttgart City Council member Jim Craig said additional work at the center includes mold remediation and dealing with lead paint and asbestos. Let’s Paint Stuttgart has also committed to paint the interior and exterior where needed.

According to the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas, the “institution that would become the Holman School began with funds from the Julius Rosenwald Foundation in 1924.” That structure was replaced with the present Holman School building in the early 1940s. It served as an African-American school until the 1970s when the Stuttgart School District was desegregated. Its gymnasium was built in 1955 and is still used for its monthly Sunday dinners.

The Holman Heritage Development Corporation bought Holman in 1996 to use as a community education and health center. In 2008, straight line winds severely damaged the roof.

Now the hope is to restore the building for community and civic activities, as well as historical significance.Craig said private donors contributed $210,000 along with two economic development grants worth $25,000 and $220,000. A third $5,000 Delta Regional Authority grant is to be used for paints and supplies to repaint Holman’s interior.

LouAnna Spears, who is a former student, teacher and current board member of Holman, was on hand to present Reynolds Construction with the final check for $92,397.28 after the roof inspection Wednesday.

“I just want to thank the entire community for their investment and effort,” Criner said.